Description

An extended plate and beam (EP&B) design was developed at Home Innovation Research Labs (Upper Marlboro, Maryland) in an effort to provide traditional light-frame wall construction details that are compatible with continuous insulating sheathing. This would encourage wide-spread adoption of high-R walls and promote greater energy efficiency in new houses. The new wall design provides significant increases in insulation and ensures moisture management while relying on common methods and materials for framing, insulation, and siding attachment. It incorporates the use of foam sheathing uniquely integrated with a structural framing system that allows for the installation of the wood structural panels outside of the foam insulation. The objective of this EP&B home demonstration project was to identify, implement, and publish specific construction details and integration strategies that can help builders transition to the EP&B system. The selected home was used to evaluate the implementation of a panelized EP&B system from plan layout through final testing, including assembly and erection on site. The full implementation process was evaluated to develop system modifications and enhancements. Key benefits and learning curves are documented in this report.

Publication Notes

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This article was written and prepared by U.S. Government employees on official time, and is therefore in the public domain.